AP Human geography non textbook terms

Supra-nationalism

The process of states voluntarily pooling sovereignty (coming together and forming an alliance as well as individual countries giving up a bit of their autonomy), and transferring power to international organizations that operate above the national level

Autonomous Region

Territories within a state that have some degree of self-governance and control over local affairs while being a part of a larger political entity

Semi-autonomous Region

Territories with limited self-governance that retain significant control by the central state government.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence thru colonization, military force, or other means. Domination over another country.

Neocolonialism

Former political colonial powers exert influence over less developed countries through economic, political, and cultural means, rather than military control. A wealthy nation dominates a poorer nation and it manifests through corporations. Usually in countries where colonialism already existed.

Neocolonialism

Former political colonial powers exert influence over less developed countries through economic, political, and cultural means, rather than military control. A wealthy nation dominates a poorer nation and it manifests through corporations. Usually in countries where colonialism already existed.

Shatterbelts

Regions of geopolitical tension and conflict where the control and influence of major powers compete, often resulting in political fragmentation.

Choke Points

Regions of geopolitical tension and conflict where the control and influence of major powers compete, often resulting in political fragmentation.

Territoriality

Connection or sense of ownership that individuals or groups of people have over a defined geographic area

Devolution

The transfer of authority and responsibility from a central government to a regional or local one, which allows them to have more autonomy over their affairs.

Ethnic Separatism

The advocacy for a separation of an ethnic group from a larger political entity, often driven by self-determination, autonomy, or independence.

Irredentism

Political and nationalist ideology that seeks to reclaim and occupy a territory that the movement’s followers believe rightly belongs to their nation.

Democratization

Refers to the process in which a government transitions from an authoritarian system to a more democratic one.

Democratization

Refers to the process in which a government transitions from an authoritarian system to a more democratic one.

Ethnonationalism

Political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a specific group, often advocating for a separate establishment based on ethnicity, language, and cultural identity.  Leads to national pride and sometimes conflict with other groups.

Relic Boundary

A boundary that no longer functions as a boundary but still impacts the cultural (and physical) landscape today, influencing social practices.

Superimposed Boundary

A political boundary that has been imposed by another foreign, external authority, usually without regard for cultural, linguistic, or ethnic divisions among the population. Usually done by imperialism or colonialism.

Subsequent Boundary

A political boundary that is established after a certain cultural or social landscape has developed, reflecting the existing patterns of that land use and the settlement.

Antecedent Boundary

Political borders that are established before the area in question is well populated. Existing before the cultural land existed.

Geometric Boundary

A man-made boundary that is defined by straight lines or geometric shapes, disregarding the natural features of the landscape

Consequent Boundary

Political boundary that is drawn to accommodate the cultural, ethnic, or linguistic differences among the people living in that area.

Defined Boundary

A legally established line that marks the limits of a territory or a political unit, described in treaties and legal documents.

Delimited Boundary

A line (or lines) drawn on a map to represent the limits of a territory or political entity. Documented through treaties or agreements and serve as a visual representation of borders that separate regions or countries.

Demarcated Boundary

Demarcated boundaries are clearly defined and marked lines that separate different political entities, such as countries, states, or territories

Demilitarized Boundary

A region (in this case, border) where military forces and equipment are prohibited, usually as a buffer between two hostile countries.

Exclusive Economic Zones

Maritime zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal state’s baseline, where the state has the right to explore and exploit marine resources.